Percy Pursglove, Matt Gough, Mike Adlington (tpt/flg); Nick Dunham, Sam Wooster (tpt); Kieran McLeod, Richard Foote, Rob Anstey, Tom Dunnett (tmb); Mike Fletcher (alt/fl); Chris Maddock (alt/sop); John Fleming, Joe Wright (ten); Colin Mills (bar/bs clt.); Andy Bunting (pno); Tobie Carpenter (gtr); Nick Jurd (bs); Jonathan Silk (dms/comp/arr).
This is not your average 16 (or in this case 17) men swinging style big band but rather a contemporary orchestra. At times, it's a thoughtful, contemplative ensemble. Featuring Percy Pursglove on trumpet and flugel it's difficult not to think of those Miles Davis/Gil Evans' collaborations or maybe Kenny Wheeler or Mike Gibbs. Rich textured harmonies behind Pursglove's cool statements and his puck-like agility on the faster numbers bring those illustrious grandmasters to mind.
Not that this is a turgid affair - far from it. The arrangements and compositions, all by Silk bar Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most, are imaginative and because of their infinite variety never allow the interest to flag. Plus, apart from Pursglove, there is still plenty solo space for others. Mills' baritone swings out on JWTS and, on the same number, Joe Wright's tenor ventures into territory well north of Sopranoland. . Adlington, McLeod, Foote, Fletcher, Maddock, Bunting and Carpenter also have extended solos during which Pursglove slips in unnoticed only to ultimately emerge with head unbowed.
Oh yes, in case I forget, leader Silk is always in the driving seat whether at the kit or leading the band through the complexities of his arrangements. This Silk Purs(e)glove combination wasn't derived from a sow's ear but from a highly tuned pair of musically perceptive "shells".
To check out samples or downloads of Jonathan Silk Big Band with Percy Pursglove - Uncouth click here.
Lance.
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